Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer and technology professional, has emerged as a standout figure in the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland following her formal submission of an application to contest for the revered stool. As the only publicly known female aspirant in the succession process after the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, her entry has drawn widespread attention and placed her at the centre of conversations surrounding the future of the Ijebu monarchy.
Her application, submitted through the appropriate family authority of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, marked a significant moment in the ongoing succession exercise, widely regarded as one of the most closely followed traditional transitions in Yorubaland. By taking this step, Dr. Onanuga positioned herself among other eligible princes and princesses being considered in accordance with established customs and traditions of Ijebuland.
Dr. Onanuga’s aspiration is firmly anchored in royal heritage. She is a direct descendant of Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I (Aboki), the 47th Awujale of Ijebuland, a lineage that places her squarely within the framework of eligibility. Sources familiar with the process confirm that her application was duly received by the Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, underscoring her formal acceptance into the race.
Her emergence has reignited public debate about the possibility of a woman ascending the Awujale throne. While the stool has, in recent history, been occupied by men, historical accounts point to periods in which women held the Awujale title. Supporters of Dr. Onanuga argue that this precedent affirms that female leadership is not foreign to Ijebu tradition, but rather part of its deeper historical narrative.
Beyond lineage, Dr. Onanuga is widely described as a globally trained legal practitioner with experience spanning law, governance, and technology. Those close to her say her decision to seek the throne is driven by a strong sense of duty to her ancestry and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the unity, development, and cultural preservation of Ijebuland in an era of rapid social change.
The succession process continues under intense public and traditional scrutiny, with repeated calls from stakeholders and legal observers for strict adherence to customary law, historical facts, and due process. Analysts note that Dr. Onanuga’s candidacy has added a distinctive and symbolic dimension to the exercise, expanding discussions around tradition, continuity, and inclusion within the Ijebu monarchy.
As consultations, screenings, and nominations progress within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and among recognised kingmakers, expectations remain high. Across Ijebu-Ode and within the diaspora, many are closely watching how tradition and contemporary realities will intersect in determining the next Awujale of Ijebuland, with Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga increasingly seen as a contender who stands out in both symbolism and substance.
